Home Remodeler Serving the Charlotte, North Carolina Region
As the school year quickly approaches, we at GJK know better than anyone how important a cup of coffee is in maintaining morning routines. A home coffee bar is one of the most requested additions in kitchen remodels right now, and for good reason: it keeps morning clutter off the main counters, gives coffee gear a permanent home, and turns a daily routine into something that actually feels a little special. So, while the kids are scrambling to get ready for school and the dogs are barking to be let out, you can use this space to take a moment just for yourself, bringing the serenity of cozy coffee shops to your home with your own luxury coffee bar kitchen installation.
At GJK, we have extensive experience creating perfectly crafted kitchens, bathrooms, and home additions that fit into each homeowner’s routine and lifestyle. With built-in outlets for countertop appliances and hidden storage for coffee pods and mugs, these kitchen additions don’t take up extra space, but create more functionality for your square footage.
Whether you’re planning a full kitchen renovation or a smaller addition to an existing layout, here’s how to design a coffee bar that’s both functional and built to last.
A home coffee bar is a dedicated counter or cabinet area, (usually built into a kitchen remodel or home addition) designed specifically for coffee or espresso machines, mugs, and supplies. It can range from a simple countertop nook with an outlet and open shelving to a fully plumbed espresso station with a built-in water line and drain.
The best coffee bar location is a spot with counter space, nearby outlets, and enough clearance for equipment. Ideally this station would be out of the main kitchen work triangle so it doesn’t create a bottleneck during breakfast prep. Popular locations in a kitchen remodel include:
Here are some other placement ideas to consider:
If you want a built-in water line for a coffee maker or espresso machine, plumbing needs to be roughed in before drywall goes up, which makes this a decision to lock in early in the remodel process. Here are some plumbing installs to discuss during your initial consultation:
Retrofitting plumbing after a remodel is finished is far more expensive than adding it during construction, so this is worth handling at the design phase.
Good coffee bar storage keeps daily-used items within arm’s reach while tucking away bulkier equipment, cutting down on counter clutter. Common storage upgrades include:
Coffee bars see daily spills and heat exposure, so it’s very important to choose materials that can hold up to both. Quartz or granite countertops resist staining and heat far better than laminate, and a tile or glass backsplash behind the machine helps keep everything clean and resists water damage. If you’re matching the rest of your kitchen renovation, sticking to the same countertop and cabinet finishes keeps the space feeling built-in rather than added on.
A small pendant light or under-cabinet lighting over the coffee bar makes the space feel intentional rather than like leftover counter space, and it’s a small change that can be added easily during a kitchen remodel without much extra cost. If your layout doesn’t facilitate installed lighting, adding an extra outlet for a small lamp is also a great option to keep the space warmly lit. Open shelving, a floating shelf for mugs, or a small backsplash accent tile are inexpensive ways to make the space feel custom. Empty space around appliances can be filled with plants, candles, decorative mugs, and books to give your coffee corner more personalization.
A basic coffee bar nook with outlets and open shelving typically adds a modest amount to a kitchen renovation budget, since it reuses existing counter and cabinet space. A fully plumbed espresso station with dedicated water and drain lines cost more, since it requires additional plumbing work. We can give you an exact estimate once we know your equipment and layout preferences after your initial consultation.
Whether you’re planning a full kitchen renovation, a smaller home addition, or just want to see what’s possible with your current layout, our team at GJK can help you design a coffee bar that fits your space and your budget. Fill out our consultation intake form to schedule your free consultation today!
